Your source for Reunion & Commencement
2008 COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Barack Obama
Sunday, May 25
11:00 AM
We're working on getting the ticker tape scrolling along the bottom of your screen 24 hours a day, but in the meantime we'll be telling you everything you need to know about Reunion & Commencement, just like always... with blog posts like this one.
Here's a preliminary roundup of the resources we've assembled so far. We've got much more planned throughout the day, so stay tuned!
IF YOU'LL BE ON CAMPUS
Get a seat on Andrus Field at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Seating on Andrus is limited and will require a ticket. Seating opens at 8:00 AM; no one will be allowed on the field prior to that time. Access will be from the Usdan/Fayerweather area of Wyllys Avenue. More details and map.
The weather will be beautiful: sunny and 68ยบ with a gentle breeze.
For those unable to procure a ticket, Foss Hill, parts of Andrus Field, and the surrounding areas will be open to the public. More details.
For those traveling to Middletown by car, Ed McKeon reports:
I just spoke to a downtown merchant who was advised that he should not count on getting into or out of his shop on Sunday, because Main Street would be closed for some time. This same merchant quoted police as saying they are projecting up to 100,000 visitors to Middletown for the Obama speech.The University has warned that you should not expect to find parking anywhere in the vicinity of campus.
Can't find a spot on Andrus Field or Foss Hill? The address will be simulcast in the Memorial Chapel, the ’92 Theater, Crowell Concert Hall, and in SCIE 150. Campus map [PDF].
IF YOU'RE AWAY FROM CAMPUS
Can't make it to campus? The University has contracted with an outside company to broadcast the address live on the web via Windows Media (blech) streaming video. The stream will be available approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. I'm assuming the 600 viewer limit is no longer an issue. More details.
WTNH will also be streaming the address live at their website. More details.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Reunion & Commencement: includes overview, schedule, environmental information, and info on class reunions, honorary degrees, etc.
FAQs: contains information on fees, meals, transportation, parking, housing, WESeminars, and special needs.
Commencement Information: details on prohibited items and restrictions on political/campaign materials. Please note that campaign-related activity, political signs and banners, glass bottles, fireworks, and "selected other items" are prohibited from the event. You will be subject to removal and possible arrest for bringing any of these items to campus. The Secret Service ain't no fool, yo.
STAY TUNED TO WESLEYING
We'll be giving you the latest updates from Reunion & Commencement, including live reporting, photos, and footage from the media corral. Since both Wesleyan and WTNH will be streaming the address online, we will not be streaming live, but we will have footage available after the event (more details to come).
We've also be pared down the blog to speed up load time and save some bandwidth, but shoutbox and everything else will be back soon so don't worry.
FINALLY...
Congratulations, Class of 2008, and best of luck in wherever your post-graduation plans take you!
